crap please delete the repost

 

Ok so I need to change my fuel filter and have read a bunch of threads on it but still left a little confused after looking at it. Do I pull the lines first then undo the bracket. Also mine seemed to be tucked up there pretty well I couldn't figure out how to undo the bracket with it up there. Seemed like there is no way I could get a tool up there. If this makes sense someone let me know. Also I got the fram filter does it matter which end goes which direction, seems like theres a shorter and longer line coming from the filter.

 

http://www.myfordfocus.com/how-to/fuelfilter.htm

 

ok I read that I guess my real question is what is the bracket connected to?

 

Yes its very tight down there so make sure you use a decent size jack for good clearance. Also make sure you use jack stands for added safety.

Undo the lines first, then remove the bracket along with the filter from underneath the car. There is only one 8mm bolt holding the bracket to the car. Note that there will be some minor fuel leakage so be careful and wear protective goggles.

Once you unbolt the filter/bracket, slide the filter out from the bracket and put the new one in. The filter is directional meaning it flows one-way so make sure you replace it in the proper direction.

 

you know what..honestly for ford to change my filter was $20 (canadian) It took them like 10 minutes in and out. saves me the headach of gettin my lowered zx5 off the ground and not having to worry about busting any clips!

 

I'll take a picture later today and make sure its the same as everyone else because I could not even fit a hand behind the filter today, so I don't know how i'll get a tool of any kind back there to take off the bracket.

 

Find someone with really small hands. Took me a while to do it with my bigger hands. Its a tight space but there is a little screw in there.

 

The bracket is connected to the frame of the car. When i changed my fuel filter i took off the whole bracket and then disconnected the lines so i could drain the gas that was left in the fuel filter into a container. Its easier in my opinion if done that way

 

Man I just don't see how you guys are fitting any kind of tool back there to remove the bolt, my hand won't even fit behind my filter. I'll take a picture today and make sure its the same as everyone elses.

 

I'm using wrench #8mm and extenssion to get there....it's really easy

 

I just used a 1/4 inch rachet and and extension

 

I merged your two threads together, no need to have (2) threads going about the same thing in two different forums.

 

It is easier to remove the filter and the bracket together. You will need a long extension and you can easily reach the bolt that holds the bracket to the car body. After you remove the screw, you can move the filter a little to make it easier to disconnect the lines. The job is much nicer if you remove the fuel pump fuse and let the car run until it stalls, that gets the fuel pressure out of the lines. I did that and no fuel sprayed anywhere, but I would wear safety glasses anyways.

 

I did the "run til it stalls" thing. Still took gasoline to the face.
The clips that came with the filter wouldn't fit. Afraid of breaking original clips.
Couldn't get the bracket off the car.
Broke the clip for the "Evaporative Emmisions" line

Gave up and took it to the dealer. $20 Motorcraft filter. $20 Labor. No gasoline in the face.

 

Ok I was finally able to get it high enough to actually take a good look under there and it was simple. Took me 20 mins. Sorry for wasting time here.

 

Here is a complete how-to video for a fuel filter change on a Mk1 Focus:

 

Awesome! Glad you liked it